"Lolly, the Left Out Lobster," written by Allison Hill and illustrated by Sande Sonke is a heartwarming tale aimed at fostering kindness, compassion, and understanding in young readers.

The story follows Lolly, a sweet little lobster who gets caught in a storm and is swept away from her home in the sea, finding herself stranded in the woods. Feeling out of place and different, Lolly tries to seek help from the various forest animals she encounters. However, many of them initially shun her because of her unusual appearance and because she doesn't "belong" in their environment.

Despite facing rejection, Lolly bravely continues to ask for help. Eventually, she finds a compassionate group of friends – a crew of pups – who see past her differences. These unlikely friends help Lolly navigate her way back to her family and the ocean.

“Lolly” highlights the importance of approaching others with an open heart and mind, and not judging based on appearances or differences, which teaches children empathy and understanding. Also Lolly’s journey emphasizes that it's okay to be different and that true friendship, acceptance and belonging can be found in unexpected places. Furthermore, Lolly's determination to keep seeking help despite being "left out" shows Courage and Persistence. Lastly, the story encourages readers to embrace and appreciate diversity, showing how connecting with those who are different can make the world a kinder and better place.

The illustrations for "Lolly the Left Out Lobster" are appealing and effective. Not overly busy, Sonke’s use of color and fun illustrations translate into bright, engaging visuals in "Lolly” that will capture and hold a young child's attention. Vibrant colors help set the mood and differentiate between Lolly's journey in the woods and her eventual return to the vibrant ocean. The illustrations perfectly complement Hill's text. They visually reinforce the themes of feeling different, seeking help, and finding belonging. For example, when Lolly is "left out," the visuals might emphasize her isolation, while scenes of her finding new friends are likely to be filled with warmth and connection.

The book is recommended for librarians, teachers and therapists, and it includes a guide at the back of the book for adults with suggestions for conversations about feeling left out and understanding others' perspectives. “Lolly” delivers an important social message in an engaging way for young children, although it's for children of all ages.